Libyan factions agree to form unity government to end political deadlock

Libya’s rival factions have agreed to form a national unity government and collaborate with the U.N. to address the country’s prolonged political crisis, Africa News reports. Representatives from the High Council of State in Tripoli and the House of Representatives in Benghazi met in Bouznika, Morocco this week, and committed to reforms in security, finance, and governance to prepare for long-overdue elections. 

In an address to the U.N Security Council, U.N. Deputy Special Envoy Stephanie Koury outlined plans for an advisory committee to develop a roadmap for elections and address electoral disputes. The committee will include diverse Libyan experts to generate actionable options for decision-makers.

Libya has faced instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Moammar Gadhafi, with divided administrations and militia conflicts. Key issues include unresolved elections from 2021 and the presence of rival prime ministers.